Bare floorboards lie underfoot, a fruit machine flashes silently, and a couple of flatscreens perch near the ceiling. An alcove to one side holds a pool table.

Kake visited on a Thursday evening in March 2010. It was busy when I arrived around 5:30pm, though I managed to find a seat. It got noisier and busier an hour later, when the flatscreens were switched on to show a football match.

There are no handpumps, so I had a pint of Strongbow (£2.20), served in a chilled glass. Crisps were 60p/packet.

Although it was very busy and the barstaff hardly had a moment to draw breath, service was cheerful and friendly. The lady who served me remembered what I was drinking when I went back for another one, and took time to stop for a brief word with me when she passed my table later in the evening.

Kake's verdict: I'd go back if I needed somewhere to meet in the area.